• Posted: March 31, 2022
• Bryan Taylor, Karen Michele Dinkins, Kendra Dinkins, Taylor Electric, Taylor Electric Cares, Taylor Electric Company

 

Since 1922, family-owned company Taylor Electric Company has been serving Chicagoland’s electrical needs. As a South Side Chicago electrical contractor, a century in business has given them many opportunities, some hardships and the knowledge that their work is always part of a larger effort.

“Our main goal is to provide. To provide for the disenfranchised or the people who need the help. We have to give a pathway to prosperity, but you have to be willing to take those steps,” said Bryan Taylor, foreman/electrician at Taylor Electric Company.

The company was started by Sam Taylor, great-grandfather of current owners Kendra Dinkins and Karen Michele Dinkins. In the 1960s, the company transferred ownership to the current owners’ uncle, Rufus Taylor. When he passed away in the mid-1990s, their cousin Martha Taylor assumed control. Nearly seven years ago, Kendra Dinkins and her sister Michele Dinkins became the second generation of women to run this venerable African American-owned and operated business.

In an industry dominated by white men, being an African American and woman-owned and operated business hasn’t always been easy.

“There were times when [Sam Taylor] had to actually sit on a job site overnight because other contractors didn’t want a Black contractor working and they tried to sabotage his work,” said Karen Michele Dinkins, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Taylor Electric Company.

But the challenges have only made them stronger. Clinging to Sam Taylor’s belief that a person’s word is their bond, Taylor Electric Company has created a reputation for being “A Name You Can Trust” – the company’s tagline.

Specializing in residential electrical work and facilities management for iconic venues like Soldier Field and Guaranteed Rate Field, Taylor Electric Company is thriving.

But beyond building a business that continues to see success, Taylor Electric Company also has a reputation for its community work. President of Taylor Electric Company, Kendra Dinkins sits on the board for the area’s March of Dimes chapter and is president of the Federation of Women Contractors. Additionally, they run Taylor Electric Cares – a nonprofit organization that’s dedicated to providing greater access careers in the unionized electric industry.

“Starting Taylor Electric Cares, getting more people into the field and more people into the office and more people into management and more people into ownership, is a passion of mine,” said Kendra Dinkins.

While 100 years in business is a huge milestone, Taylor Electric Company isn’t slowing down. 

“I’m hoping that maybe in the next 20 or 30 years, my children will be involved,” said Bryan Taylor. “Hopefully we can be around for another 100 years.”

With Taylor Electric Company’s steadfast focus on trust, quality work, and giving back to the community, the achievements and longevity of this South Side Chicago electrical contractor know no limits.